Tea Recipe

Boil the water

Pour 2 cups of cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Heat until it reaches a rolling boil (about 2–4 minutes depending on heat source). For delicate teas (green, white), stop just before a full rolling boil.

Warm the teapot or mug (optional)

Pour a small amount of the hot water into the teapot or mug, swirl briefly, then discard. This helps keep the brewed tea hot longer.

Add tea

Place 1 tablespoon of loose black tea (or 1 tea bag) into the teapot or mug. If using a tea strainer, put the leaves in the strainer.

Steep

Pour the boiling water over the tea leaves or tea bag. Cover the teapot or place a small saucer over the mug to retain heat. Steep for 3–5 minutes for black tea (shorter for milder flavor, longer for stronger). For green tea steep 1–3 minutes at slightly lower temperature.

Sweeten and finish

Remove the tea leaves or tea bag using the strainer. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar or 1 teaspoon honey to taste while the tea is hot so it dissolves. If adding milk, pour 1/2 cup warmed milk into the tea and stir. If serving lemon, add a wedge (do not add lemon with milk). Add fresh mint leaves if desired.

Serve

Taste and adjust sweetness or milk. Serve immediately while hot. Discard used tea leaves or tea bag and rinse equipment.

Use the kettle or saucepan to boil water, the teapot or mug to brew, and a strainer to remove loose leaves. Clean equipment after use.